Fansided

Projecting the Yankees’ 2020 rotation led by new ace Gerrit Cole

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros celebrates retiring the side during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Gerrit Cole #45 of the Houston Astros celebrates retiring the side during the sixth inning against the New York Yankees in game three of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium on October 15, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 31: Pitcher Domingo German #55 of the New York Yankees in action in an MLB baseball game against the Oakland Athletics on August 31, 2019 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Yankees won 4-3. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 31: Pitcher Domingo German #55 of the New York Yankees in action in an MLB baseball game against the Oakland Athletics on August 31, 2019 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. Yankees won 4-3. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images) /

5. Domingo German

German’s suspension for domestic violence derailed what was a breakout season for him on the field in 2019. He’s expected to miss some portion of the 2020 regular season once MLB hands down their ultimate findings, but he should be eligible to pitch well before the All-Star Break.

That gives him the upper hand in the chase for the No. 5 spot in the rotation. He actually pitched like the Yankees’ best starter for long stretches of last season. The organization would be overjoyed to get 143 quality innings with an ERA of just 4.03 again from German this season.

Aside from his off the field issues, it’s fair to wonder whether German can really replicate his success from last season. His command still looks suspect at times when he’s under pressure on the mound. It’s easy to envision a scenario where his performance slips far enough to give another pitcher the chance to take this spot.

Nonetheless, he’s the most likely choice to emerge as Boone’s No. 5 starter at the current point in time. There are lots of things that can change between now and Opening Day, but the combination of German’s recent track record and age make him a good bet to nail down a starting spot in 2020.

Home/New York Yankees